Highlights from the Book of Zechariah Treasures from God’s Word WT Library References Index Source Material ............................................................................... 1 Special Note .............................................................................................. 1 An Introduction to the Book of Zechariah .................................... 2 Summary of the Highlights of the Book of Zechariah ................. 3 A call to repentance, followed by eight visions and a prophecy about “Sprout” .................................................................................................... 3 Question about the observance of fasts commemorating the calamities that befell Jerusalem .............................................................. 3 Judgment upon nations, Messianic prophecies, and the restoration of God’s people ............................................................................................. 3 Zechariah – Outline of Contents ................................................... 5 Why Beneficial ................................................................................ 5 Treasures from God’s Word .......................................................... 7 WT Library Highlights .................................................................... 8 Treasures from God’s Word Chapters 1- 8 “Take Firm Hold of the Robe of a Jew” ................ 7 Chapters 9-14 Stay in “the Valley of the Mountains” .................. 7 WT Library Reference Chapters 1-8 .................................................................................... 8 Chapters 9-14 ................................................................................ 49 Highlights from the Book of Zechariah Source Material This material has been sourced from the updated 2016 Watchtower Library compact disk. Scriptures Included. Only verses that are explained in some way are included in the Scripture Index. Hence, if the material explains the meaning of the text, gives its background, tells why the text was written, or clarifies an original-language word and its implications, the text would be indexed, since the verse or part of it is explained. Scriptures that are used as proof texts but that are not explained are omitted. For example, Ezekiel 18:4 may be used merely to show that the soul dies. In this instance, the scripture would not be indexed, since no explanation of the text is given. Additional personal research is encouraged. Special Note Occasionally you will notice that in the Treasures from God’s Word section of our Meeting Workbook that references will appear that are not included in the Watchtower Library disk or on www.wol.jw.org when searching a particular scripture reference. Page 1 Index Highlights from the Book of Zechariah An Introduction to the Book of Zechariah Zechariah began to prophesy in Jerusalem around 520 B.C.E.,17 years after the return from Babylonian exile. He prophesied for at least two years, completing the book bearing his name around 518 B.C.E. His work overlapped that of the prophet Haggai. The rebuilding of Jehovah's temple was at a standstill. It appeared to observers that Jehovah had forsaken the city. The people there were discouraged, and focused on personal comforts. Jehovah sent Zechariah to join the prophet Haggai in encouraging the Jews to resume the temple construction despite all obstacles. Did you know? Solomon's temple was completed in just over seven years. In contrast, when Zechariah wrote his book the reconstruction had been underway for about twenty years, but without completion. The book of Zechariah contains 14 chapters. Chapters 1 to 6 set forth a series of intriguing visions that ensure divine backing of the work of rebuilding the temple, and the return to pure worship. For example, one vision features a woman named “Wickedness” who is put into a container and taken far away by two winged women. This illustrates that wickedness has no place among Jehovah's people. Chapters 7 and 8 urge God's people to turn from unjust treatment of the poor, and to deal with one another in loyal love and mercy. Chapter 10 foretells Jehovah's turning his favourable attention to his repentant people. Zechariah also recorded several significant prophecies about the Christ. He indicated that the future king of God's Kingdom would triumphantly enter Jerusalem on a donkey. Zechariah foretold God's true Shepherd would be betrayed for 30 pieces of silver. Zechariah also foretold details about this Messianic Shepherd’s death. Chapter 14 states that Jehovah forms a very great valley. This valley is for the protection of his people, and results in a complete triumph of true worship. As you study the book of Zechariah notice how Jehovah makes his work succeed despite adversity; how he describes the future King of His Kingdom; and how his loyal subjects will remain safe in his valley of protection. Page 2 Index Highlights from the Book of Zechariah Summary of the Highlights of the Book of Zechariah Prophetic messages encouraging the Jews to resume temple rebuilding, also providing foregleams of the Messiah’s coming and his rule as King-Priest Written by Zechariah during the reign of Persian King Darius I, about 19 years after the first Jews arrived home from Babylon in 537 B.C.E. A call to repentance, followed by eight visions and a prophecy about “Sprout” First vision: A rider on a red horse standing with three other horsemen among the myrtle trees; the vision concludes with an assurance that Jerusalem will be shown mercy and the temple rebuilt Second vision: The four horns that dispersed Judah are cast down by four craftsmen Third vision: A young man with a measuring rope prepares to measure Jerusalem, but an angel foretells more growth as well as Jehovah’s protection for the city Fourth vision: High Priest Joshua’s befouled garments are removed and replaced with robes of state Fifth vision: Zechariah sees a gold lampstand with seven lamps supplied with oil from two olive trees; Zerubbabel will complete the temple rebuilding with the help of God’s spirit Sixth vision: A flying scroll represents the curse going forth because of all those stealing and those swearing falsely in Jehovah’s name Seventh vision: A woman named Wickedness is transported in an ephah measure to Shinar Eighth vision: Four chariots proceed from between two copper mountains to move about in the earth The man named Sprout will build Jehovah’s temple and serve as king-priest Question about the observance of fasts commemorating the calamities that befell Jerusalem Calamities came as punishment for disobedience; fasting in commemoration of these was not really done to Jehovah Jerusalem will enjoy divine favor; the former days of fasting will be transformed into “an exultation and a rejoicing and good festal seasons”; many from the nations will come to her to seek Jehovah’s favor Judgment upon nations, Messianic prophecies, and the restoration of God’s people Many cities and nations will experience Jehovah’s adverse judgment Zion’s righteous, humble King will come into the city on an ass Jehovah expresses anger against the false shepherds The scattered people of God will be brought out of Egypt and Assyria Zechariah is called to be a shepherd; the people are given an opportunity to pay for his work, and they value it at 30 silver pieces Jerusalem will become a burdensome stone that severely scratches anyone tampering with it Page 3 Index Highlights from the Book of Zechariah A well will be opened for cleansing from sin; the shepherd will be struck, and the sheep will be scattered Jerusalem will come under attack, but Jehovah will war against the aggressors Those remaining out of the attacking nations will celebrate the Festival of Booths each year, bowing down before Jehovah as King Page 4 Index Highlights from the Book of Zechariah Zechariah – Outline of Contents This book of the Hebrew Scriptures identifies its writer as “Zechariah the son of Berechiah the son of Iddo the prophet.” (Zec 1:1) It also provides a basis for establishing the time period covered and an approximate date for the composition. The last time indicator found in the book of Zechariah is the fourth day of Chislev in the fourth year of Darius’ reign (about December 1, 518 B.C.E.). (7:1) Accordingly, this book could not have been committed to writing before the close of 518 B.C.E. Since it was in the “eighth month in the second year of Darius” (October/November 520 B.C.E.) that “the word of Jehovah occurred to Zechariah” (1:1), the book covers a period of at least two years. From chapter 9 onward the subject matter found in the book of Zechariah appears to differ considerably from the earlier section. No further reference is made to angels and visions or to Governor Zerubbabel and High Priest Joshua. There is no mention of the temple-rebuilding work, and not even the name of Zechariah appears. In view of this and the nature of the prophecies contained in the latter chapters of the book, a number of critics maintain that this section could not have been written by Zechariah. However, it should be noted that Zechariah, like other prophets, wrote according to divine inspiration and did not receive all revelations at the same time or in the same manner. (2Pe 1:20, 21) Also, prophecies did not have to fit within a particular framework of existing circumstances and incorporate the name of the prophet or of some of his contemporaries for an entire book to be the work of the prophet. That the book of Zechariah forms one harmonious whole, instead